Successfully verified Wi-Fi 7 chip connection with network mode

The IEEE802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) wireless communication standard being developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is the successor to the IEEE802.11ax*1 (Wi-Fi 6/6E) WLAN standard.

The new standard is proposed to achieve a transmission speed of 30Gbps or more, which is much faster than Wi-Fi 6/6E. In addition to extending conventional technologies, including 4096 QAM, 320 MHz channel bandwidth, and Multi-RU, it also adopts new technologies such as Multi-Link Operation*2 (MLO) enabling a device to simultaneously send and receive data across different frequency bands and channels.

Development of IEEE802.11be is expected to be completed in 2024 and devices using chips based on the draft standard are already appearing to support the latest applications and services, such as ultra-high-definition video streaming and AR/VR.

The network mode emulates real operation to evaluate RF characteristics. It uses the data link layer communication protocol implemented in both the chip and tester to establish communication.

In addition to evaluating RF characteristics using conducted tests, the network mode is especially useful for Over-The-Air*3 (OTA) wireless performance tests – including antenna characteristics – of finished products.

MediaTek has released its Filogic 880 and Filogic 380 with high performance, low power, and high reliability for Wi-Fi 7 platforms. Due to the seamless, stable, high connectivity of MediaTek’s chips, their RF characteristics were evaluated jointly under actual operating conditions by using Anritsu’s network mode technology to establish and maintain the wireless communications. This evaluation of IEEE 802.11be RF characteristics with the network mode marks a world-first in wireless testing.

With support for both conducted and OTA network-mode connectivity tests, Anritsu’s WLAN tester will help assure the success of products using MediaTek’s IEEE802.11be chip.

Alan Hsu, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Intelligent Connectivity business at MediaTek, stated: “Our collaboration with Anritsu helps further our mission of bringing the most advanced wireless connectivity technologies to market, and represents MediaTek’s commitment to meet the industry’s growing demands for fast, reliable, and always-on connected experiences with MediaTek’s Filogic solution inside.”

Takeshi Shima, Director, Senior Vice President, Test & Measurement Company President at Anritsu stated: “The synergy between Anritsu’s leading-edge test solutions and MediaTek’s leading wireless technology creates a new user experience leading to developments in a wide range of businesses, including IoT, automotive, smartphones, etc., supporting a secure, safe and rich global society.”

Anritsu is continuing to develop advanced test solutions assuring successful deployment of future WLAN products.

Technical Terms

*1 IEEE 802.11ax

Wireless LAN standard defined by IEEE supporting theoretical maximum speeds up to 9.61 Gbps.

*2 Multi-link Operation (MLO)

Technology enabling one device to simultaneously send and receive data across different frequency bands and channels.

*3 Over-The-Air (OTA) Tests

Tests for accurately evaluating wireless device reliability, efficiency, and performance by sending/receiving over-the-air radio waves. This is especially useful for comprehensively evaluating the wireless communications performance of equipment including antennas.